Web Desk
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan did not appear before the joint investigation team (JIT) investigating the Jinnah House attack case, offering to be interrogated through a video link, according to News Sources.
Representatives of the former prime minister, Advocates Ali Ijaz Buttar, and Naeem Haider Panjhuta, appeared before the investigation team on his behalf and submitted a written response to the summons issued a day earlier.
In his reply, Imran Khan cited “credible sources” reporting that he could be targeted during public appearances and while participating in the investigation. He mentioned that he was also scheduled to appear before the court on the same day. Khan stated that despite being in the “illegal” custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the time of the events, he was fully cooperating despite the registration of baseless cases.
He expressed readiness to participate in the investigation, despite the violation of fundamental rights, and authorized Ali Ijaz and Naeem Haider to appear on his behalf. Khan also requested the option to join the probe via video link from his residence or receive a questionnaire with specific questions/queries for the purpose. As an alternative, he mentioned his availability in person at Zaman Park.
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had summoned Imran Khan the previous day to investigate the Jinnah House attack on May 9. The JIT, headed by Deputy Inspector General Kamran Adil, called him to the DIG Investigation Office in Qila Gujjar Singh.
The Punjab government had established 10 separate JITs to investigate the incidents that occurred on May 9. Khan was implicated in various cases registered at different police stations, including Sarwar Road and Shadman.
On May 27, the Punjab Home Department formed a JIT to investigate the vandalism and arson at the Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore. SSP Investigation Iqbal Town Aqeela Niaz Naqvi was appointed as the convener of the JIT, which included four other officers from the provincial police force.
Several PTI leaders and workers allegedly attacked the Jinnah House during a protest against the arrest of their party chairman, Imran Khan, on May 9. Rizwan Zia, son of Major (retired) Ziaul Hassan, who previously served as IGP Punjab and Sindh, was also arrested in connection with the Jinnah House attack case.
